A split earlobe is a minor condition usually caused by wearing heavy earrings. Over time the piercing stretches and, in some cases, tears through the lobe completely, splitting it in two. The repair is simple and is done under local anaesthesia.
The correction takes a few minutes and the patient can return to normal activities straight away. A small dressing is worn for a few days, and the stitches are removed after about 7–10 days, depending on how the wound heals.
A new hole for earrings can be made later, preferably slightly in front of the old one so that the scar is hidden. The correction is permanent.